New Students

Students find that the harp sounds beautiful from the very first day. The harp is capable of producing a wide variety of sounds and can be played in nearly any style of music. Although the pedal harp was patented in 1811, the harp is nearly 4000 years old, making it one of the oldest instruments in the world! Learning the harp teaches valuable skills that will influence academic pursuits, including focus, discipline and problem solving.

In her harp lessons, Leigh hopes to inspire musical creativity, a love of music making and share her love of the harp. Leigh prepares an individualized lesson plan and repertoire for each student, based on their interests, experience, and age. Through tailored lessons, students learn harp technique, listening skills, music theory, history, and explore composition and improvisation.

All of Leigh’s students are encouraged and invited to play with the North Carolina Harp Ensemble, participate in master classes, recitals and group performance classes.

FAQ

How do I get started? Before committing to lessons, Leigh invites each prospective student for a 45-60 minute intro lesson. This is an opportunity to play and see the harps up close, meet Leigh and learn more about the studio.

Where do you teach? Leigh maintains two studios in the triangle area. She teaches a few days a week from her home studio in Carrboro, NC and one day each week from Leechford Music in downtown Cary, NC.

How much are lessons? Weekly lessons are $35, $45, or $55 dollars for a 30, 45 & 60 minute lesson, respectively.

Do you teach adults? Yes! I have students of all ages in my studio and experience teaching kids, adolescents, young adults and retirees.

How do I get a harp? Leigh rents harps to her students starting at $50 per month. If you prefer to purchase, Leigh can help you purchase an appropriate harp used or new.

The harp is a unique instrument. Most of us don't see one everyday! When I'm moving around town, or out playing for an event people always stop and ask questions and I love the inquiries. Questions range from practical, to polite and a bit zany! What can I say? At 6' tall the harp gets noticed.

Students asked tons of practical questions from “how do you tune it, “and “how much does it weigh” always followed up with “how do you move it?” Other questions were more surprising, like “why does your harp have different colored polka dots?”

As per usual in the evenings, this same gentleman was outside singing, but when I stopped playing, I heard an exact echo of what I had been playing on the harp! The doors were open, so of course he could hear, but I had no idea he was listening so intently.

Well, it’s time! Let’s get started and play the harp. I’m opening my own harp studio just outside Chapel Hill, NC in Carrboro. The harp is a wonderful instrument to learn. It sounds beautiful from the very first day!